If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Burning Rubber Gets Expensive
April 21, 2005
Burning Rubber Gets Expensive Pricey Tires Increasingly Come Standard on Cars, But Wear Out Easily By MICHELLE HIGGINS Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL What do a Hyundai Sonata and a Porsche have in common? High-performance tires. There's a surprising side effect to the horsepower race that's been taking place across the car industry. Responding to consumer demand for powerful, aggressive-looking vehicles, models ranging from station wagons to the Chrysler 300 are getting souped up to handle faster acceleration and higher speeds. To harness the extra power, the vehicles require tires that were once found only on sporty vehicles such as Corvettes and Porsches. The new tires are shorter and wider than most standard tires, and can be considerably more expensive. Cars with fashionably giant wheels also usually require tires like these. High-performance tires provide a quicker, crisper steering response and a more tenacious grip on dry and wet surfaces than most common tires. But not only do they cost more, they also tend to wear out faster, and perform worse in snow. That means some car owners now have to face the hassle and expense of sticking snow tires back on their cars in the winter -- a chore that all but disappeared with the advent of all-season tires in recent decades. The high-performance trend is catching many car buyers off-guard, particularly after years of growing accustomed to increasingly longer-lasting tires. Part of the problem is that many people don't pay much attention to the tires when buying a vehicle, so they don't realize their new car comes with high-performance tires. Manufacturers such as Michelin and Bridgestone have a term for it: the "accidental performance customer." When the rubber eventually wears out and needs to be replaced, it can be a double-whammy for the owner, says Eugene Petersen, an engineer at Consumer Reports' tire and automotive test center in East Haddam, Conn. "The first shock is how long it lasts. Next is cost." He says he has seen a stream of postings on the discussion boards at consumerreports.org about short-lived, high-priced tires. Roger Liebowitz, an advertising executive in Richmond, Va., encountered this when shopping for a used car last summer. The 2002 Infiniti i35 he was considering was in great condition except the tires needed to be replaced -- and it would cost nearly $800 to buy and install a complete set like the ones that came with the car. "It seemed kind of absurd to me for an $18,000 or $19,000 car to turn around and spend $200 a tire," says Mr. Liebowitz. "I'd expect that for a Corvette." In the end, he decided to buy a 2001 Infiniti i30, which came with tires that Mr. Liebowitz priced at about $100 each. A spokesman for Infiniti says the tire designs and sizes for its vehicles are "optimized" for the specific car model. As a result, the tires may be a size "that's not common in the replacement market." Performance tires, while still a relatively small portion of the overall tire market, are one of the fastest growing segments in the industry, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Last year, about 17% of original-equipment tires shipped were what many consider high-performance tires, up from 12% in 1999. Sales in the performance-tire segment are up about 14% for 2004 from the previous year at the Sears Automotive Group, a business of Sears Holding Corp. All tires come with a one-letter rating -- such as H or S -- that indicates the maximum speed at which they are designed to function without risking a blowout or other failure. Typical high-speed ratings are H (capable of a maximum speed of 130 miles per hour), V (149 mph) and Z (above 149 mph). Most tires are rated S or T, for speeds up to 112 mph and 118 mph, respectively. Speed Ratings Increase A number of car models switched in recent years to higher-performance tires. In 1996 the Honda Civic EX sedan came equipped with S-rated tires; in 2001 it came with H-rated tires. Other vehicles, which already had high-performance tires, are boosting their speed ratings. For instance, the 2002 Nissan Maxima came equipped with H-rated tires, whereas the 2003 and 2004 models have V-rated tires. Similarly, the 2005 Hyundai Sonata LX came with H-speed rated tires; the 2006 model comes with V-rated tires. Tires can also vary within a specific model of car. For instance, the base Chrysler 300 comes with T-rated tires, but the fancier 300C -- the model people get if they want extras like leather seats, heated mirrors and a better stereo -- comes with high-performance tires that are more expensive to replace. A Chrysler spokesman says the auto maker is confident that buyers understand what they are purchasing. Typical all-season tires cost anywhere from roughly $30 to $100 apiece and wear out after 45,000 to 50,000 miles. High-performance tires can cost from $60 to $145 or so and also wear out more quickly -- typically after about 30,000 miles. Ultrahigh-performance tires such as Z-rated ones (or the even more rare W and Y tires, which show up on sports cars like Ferraris) cost even more, usually upward of $120 each, and wear out at around 15,000 miles. Safety Issues The fact that high-performance tires sometimes wear out more quickly can raise safety concerns. As a tread is worn away, in some circumstances a tire's grip on dry road surfaces may increase. However, worn tires have the opposite effect in inclement weather, where deep tread patterns are needed for wet braking and to gain traction in snow. Snow traction declined 15% for tires with treads worn down to half their normal depth in tests by Consumer Reports. Hydroplaning resistance was down by 8%, and wet braking was down by about 7%. Also, while performance tires generally do well in dry and wet conditions (their wide footprint helps the rubber stick to the pavement) their design tends to have the opposite effect in winter conditions where narrower footprints and deep treads are preferred for maintaining traction in snow or icy conditions. Drivers of cars with high-performance tires have options when looking for replacements if the tires wear out or if winter conditions require a switch. For one, all-season performance tires are available, though they generally won't perform as well in the snow as true winter tires. Precise Handling Another option: Buying a version of the tire that has a lower speed rating. However, there is disagreement in the industry about whether that's a good idea. Even though speed ratings of greater than 130 mph may seem unnecessary -- after all, who ever really drives anywhere near that speed? -- the fact is that tires with higher ratings also can provide more precise handling and crisper steering response even at lower speeds. according to Matt Edmonds of Tire Rack, a wheel and tire retailer in South Bend, Ind. A performance-tire brochure from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. says the company recommends replacement tires with an equivalent or greater speed rating than the original set. However, in the next sentence the brochure says, "if you never drive at speeds near the limits of your speed-rated tires, you may choose to replace them with tires having a lesser top-speed rating." PERFORMANCE FOR LESS Replacing high-performance tires can be expensive, but it's possible to purchase alternate brands to save money. Vehicle Original Equipment Tire Cost Alternate Tire Brand Cost 2003 BMW X5 3.0i Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus $145 Continental 4X4 Contact $93 2003 Nissan Maxima GXE Goodyear Eagle RS-A $95 Continental ContiTouring Contact CH95 $72 2005 Chrysler 300C Continental ContiTouring Contact CH95 $100 Pirelli P6 Four Seasons $92 2003 Lexus IS 300 Bridgestone RE92 $138 Pirelli P6 Four Seasons $104 Note: Within a specific tire brand, prices can vary based on factors such as tire size and speed rating. Source: Tirerack.com |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
> High-performance tires provide a quicker, crisper steering response and > a more tenacious grip on dry and wet surfaces than most common tires. I'm not to sure their better on wet pavement, not all of them anyways. Besides if people can afford the car then they shouldn't bitch replacement parts (tires in this case), just like anyone who drives a 4x4 or a soccer mom suvee better not complain about gas prices. (although in this case the pot calls the kettle black way to often). Snow... |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
MrPepper11 wrote:
> April 21, 2005 > Burning Rubber Gets Expensive > Pricey Tires Increasingly Come Standard on Cars, But Wear Out Easily > By MICHELLE HIGGINS > Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL > > [...] > Roger Liebowitz, an advertising executive in Richmond, Va., encountered > this when shopping for a used car last summer. The 2002 Infiniti i35 he > was considering was in great condition except the tires needed to be > replaced -- and it would cost nearly $800 to buy and install a complete > set like the ones that came with the car. "It seemed kind of absurd to > me for an $18,000 or $19,000 car to turn around and spend $200 a tire," > says Mr. Liebowitz. People need to learn where to shop for tires. I believe most newer cars equipped as such usually have tires that are 17 to 18" width. Aspect ratios are from 45 to 35 (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). The 225/45 ZR17s that I shop for come in prices ranging from $90 to $220 per tire. I don't see any reason why someone would have to spend more than $115 per tire for that particular size. The price may go up by $20 to $30 per tire when you get into the 18" range. People also need to realize that unless you live too far south to see significant snowfall, you're only going to be using those high performance tires 6 to 8 months out of the year. That means that a set will last for 3 or possibly 4 seasons of use. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
"Arif Khokar" > wrote
> People need to learn where to shop for tires. I believe most newer cars > equipped as such usually have tires that are 17 to 18" width. Aspect > ratios are from 45 to 35 (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). "width" of 17 to 18"? Brain cramp, I'm sure you meant diameter... ;-> Floyd |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Arif Khokar > wrote in
: > MrPepper11 wrote: >> April 21, 2005 >> Burning Rubber Gets Expensive >> Pricey Tires Increasingly Come Standard on Cars, But Wear Out Easily >> By MICHELLE HIGGINS >> Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL >> >> [...] >> Roger Liebowitz, an advertising executive in Richmond, Va., encountered >> this when shopping for a used car last summer. The 2002 Infiniti i35 he >> was considering was in great condition except the tires needed to be >> replaced -- and it would cost nearly $800 to buy and install a complete >> set like the ones that came with the car. "It seemed kind of absurd to >> me for an $18,000 or $19,000 car to turn around and spend $200 a tire," >> says Mr. Liebowitz. Also,a NEW Infiniti I35 is NOT a $18-20K vehicle. And it may be that the previous owner installed custom wheels with a larger diameter and low-profile tires(more expensive).Going back to OEM wheel sizes may reduce the cost significantly. > > People need to learn where to shop for tires. I believe most newer cars > equipped as such usually have tires that are 17 to 18" width. Wheel Diameter,not tread width. [225/45 ZR17] means a 17" diameter,tread width of 225mm,and aspect ratio of 45.(low-profile category) [Z] is the speed rating,and [R] = radial. >Aspect > ratios are from 45 to 35 (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). The > 225/45 ZR17s that I shop for come in prices ranging from $90 to $220 per > tire. I don't see any reason why someone would have to spend more than > $115 per tire for that particular size. The price may go up by $20 to > $30 per tire when you get into the 18" range. > > People also need to realize that unless you live too far south to see > significant snowfall, you're only going to be using those high > performance tires 6 to 8 months out of the year. That means that a set > will last for 3 or possibly 4 seasons of use. > One can also shop for tires with a better wear number,better wet pavement capabilities,etc. -- Jim Yanik jyanik at kua.net |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 19:13:38 -0700, Scott en Aztlán wrote:
> On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 16:57:32 -0700, "fbloogyudsr" > > wrote: > >>"Arif Khokar" > wrote >>> People need to learn where to shop for tires. I believe most newer cars >>> equipped as such usually have tires that are 17 to 18" width. Aspect >>> ratios are from 45 to 35 (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). >> >>"width" of 17 to 18"? Brain cramp, I'm sure you meant diameter... ;-> > > I've seen some Ferraris with some pretty wide rear tires... Formula 1 maybe ... years ago when they still had really wide rear tires Chris |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:15:07 -0400, "Snow" >
wrote: > > >I'm not to sure their better lol |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 16:57:32 -0700, fbloogyudsr wrote:
> "Arif Khokar" > wrote >> People need to learn where to shop for tires. I believe most newer cars >> equipped as such usually have tires that are 17 to 18" width. Aspect >> ratios are from 45 to 35 (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). > > "width" of 17 to 18"? Brain cramp, I'm sure you meant diameter... ;-> Yes, and it's the diameter of the *wheel*, not the tire. -- Keith |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
MrPepper11 wrote: > April 21, 2005 > Burning Rubber Gets Expensive > Pricey Tires Increasingly Come Standard on Cars, But Wear Out Easily > By MICHELLE HIGGINS > Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL > > What do a Hyundai Sonata and a Porsche have in common? > > High-performance tires. > One more reason to drive slow. I bought a couple tires a month back and the installed price for the whole job was $85. Last summer i bought a pair of the same tires and it only cost $65. Four tires installed = $150. And they work just fine. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
In article >, keith wrote:
>On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 16:57:32 -0700, fbloogyudsr wrote: > >> "Arif Khokar" > wrote >>> People need to learn where to shop for tires. I believe most newer cars >>> equipped as such usually have tires that are 17 to 18" width. Aspect >>> ratios are from 45 to 35 (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). >> >> "width" of 17 to 18"? Brain cramp, I'm sure you meant diameter... ;-> > >Yes, and it's the diameter of the *wheel*, not the tire. > >-- > Keith Going on a side note by entering late into the thread with title having "burning rubber"... I am thinking of a different factor - what type/grade of rubber the tires are made of! Let me put it this way... I have done enough work delivering food (not pizza but may as well have been) by bicycle, at a place that has hired a fair amount of bicycle messengers and former bicycle messengers (including myself). Tale of two delivery people both other than myself: #1 referred me to this job, likes to drive motorcycles, and I have noted him to have engineering talent and a little bit as a little bit of a hobby design cars that perform like motorcycles. #2 came onto the job without a car but really wanted to drive a car rather than a bike, and quit his bike when he could afford a car. Both #1 and #2 when driving cars drove their cars as if they were bicycle messengers. I have been a car passenger for both. #2 had a significant accident record, although bragged about high percentage of accidents not ruled his fault. #1 avoided an accident record. When being a passenger in a car driven by #2 at 50 MPH on 35 MPH city streets, I got scared and afterwards rode my bike home 4-plus miles in cold rain rather than accepting a ride from him. When being a passenger in a car driven by #1, I mostly burst out laughing at how he got away with driving 60 on 35 MPH city streets. Driver #1 did also do a stint delivering pizzas for a different shop, but quit due to car expenses from such work, although continued to drive like a bicycle messenger while preferring to avoid such high exposure to high car wear from driving like a bicycle messenger in areas where he had to apply the brakes almost every block. Now for tires: No. 2 did not say anything about tire type/quality. No. 1 had stuff to say about tire quality. Furthermore, he was at one time I noticed shopping for tires at a tire shop in "the delivery area". The tire shop owner recommended longer life tires that were made with a harder rubber compund. At the local tire shop Driver #1 voiced his opinion as to how he would dis-benefit from "longer life" tires made with harder rubber, and would achieve less tire wear from a "stickier" softer rubber that normally has a shorter life expectancy. I added to the owner of the local tire shop that Driver #1 tends to drive a car the way a bicycle messenger would drive a motorcycle. ------------------------------ Bottom line: What kind of tires you need will vary with specifics of your driving habits. I do advise in favor of higher traction ratings in any close call. Please consider ability to stop if the driver in front of you suddenly applies the brakes as hard as possible for whatever reason, and has a car with good antilock brakes. I believe that you should be able to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front of you unless you get totally sandwiched between the vehicle ahead of you and the vehicle behind you. Should you have choice between getting rear-ended and rear-ending the car in front of you, insurance companies tend to favor rear-endees over rear-enders, with (according to my impression) laws of many-most USA states giving guidance in that direction. - Don Klipstein ) |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Burning Rubber Gets Expensive | MrPepper11 | Driving | 16 | April 29th 05 12:26 AM |
question about the "damping mount" rubber on 97 Accord | [email protected] | Honda | 2 | March 28th 05 03:08 AM |
question about the "damping mount" rubber on 97 Accord | [email protected] | Technology | 1 | March 28th 05 03:08 AM |
Rear axle bushing - rubber or poly? | Andrew Hall | VW water cooled | 2 | November 16th 04 12:10 PM |